The Complete World of Balancing

Every rotating body has unbalance, because the center of gravity of its mass axis never coincides with the rotational axis. The magnitude of this unbalance depends on many factors, including the methods used for machining or assembly. When a rotating body is revolving in its bearings the unbalance causes dynamic forces. The results are, for example, poor efficiency, high loads, wear and noise. At the same time, hazards to people, machines and the environment may occur. Therefore, balancing is a must for modern machines running at high rotational speeds and/or requiring high precision. During balancing, the mass distribution of a rotating body is changed in such a way that the forces and vibrations caused by the unbalance stay within permissible limits.

Most rotors are balanced as rigid rotors and usually have a dynamic unbalance. This is corrected by balancing in two axial planes. For many disc-shaped rotors such as grinding wheels, fans or turbo chargers, balancing in just one plane is sufficient. Flexible rotors that run near or pass critical speed ranges during operation, are usually balanced in more than two planes at various rotational speeds using special methods. Changing the mass distribution of a rotor is accomplished by adding, removing or shifting mass in the relevant correction planes. To this end, Hofmann offers balancing technologies in four product groups:

Universal Balancing Machines

Hofmann universal balancing machines are the solution to precisely balance all kinds of rotors.

Portables

Special Solutions

Balancing solutions for high-volume production with automated unbalance correction, precise balancing technology for the aviation industry, and high-speed balancing installations for turbo-rotors and measuring machines.